Royals broadcaster Steve Stewart blogs about baseball in Kansas City and on the road.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

The opening week of baseball at Kauffman Stadium did not produce as many wins as the fans would have liked…but the fans were happy to welcome the Royals home for Season 42…and Year 2 of the New K.

Opening Day started out a little gloomy….but the skies would clear and the sun would shine!

Before the game a real treat. Former Royals Manager Whitey Herzog stops by the booth for a visit. Whitey, already in the Royals Hall of Fame, will be inducted in Cooperstown in July. The former skipper threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Here he visits with Bob and Denny.

The crowd lets out an extra cheer on Opening Day as last years player of the year, Billy Butler, is introduced. Billy had a two-run single on Opening Day. Unfortunately it was not enough, as Detroit came from behind to win.

On the first Friday night game of 2010, the Royals honored Zack Greinke for his 2009 Cy Young Award. His teammates, Royals alumni and his family all took part in the pregame celebration. Ryan was the emcee.

Later that Friday night, Joakim Soria took the mound in the 9th against the Red Sox. He recorded a scoreless frame and his first save of the season.

My first sign of spring was seeing my 11-year-old son John’s baseball practice. The Smash Burger Heat play in the Blue Valley Recreation League. John’s always been a strike thrower. My favorite player. At any level.

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